Core Viewpoint - The Chinese dairy industry is currently facing challenges such as overcapacity and weak consumption, but experts believe that through advancements in deep processing technology and strategic restructuring, the industry can achieve high-quality development and overcome cyclical difficulties [1][6]. Industry Challenges - The industry is experiencing both overcapacity and reliance on imports, with a total milk production of 40.79 million tons last year and fresh milk prices hitting historical lows. The supply of raw milk exceeds demand, leading to increased losses in farming [2][3]. - The consumption pattern in China primarily focuses on liquid milk, which has a short shelf life and a rigid supply chain, causing rapid transmission of consumption fatigue to the farming sector and resulting in volatile raw milk purchase prices [2][3]. Deep Processing Opportunities - Developing deep processing is seen as a key solution to the challenges faced by the dairy industry. By extracting components like cream, butter, whey protein, and casein from fresh milk, companies can significantly increase their revenue. For instance, processing 100 tons of fresh milk can yield over 750,000 yuan compared to 262,500 yuan from direct powder sales [2][3]. Core Challenges in Deep Processing - There are four main challenges in deep processing: 1. Technical path differences, as domestic processes must start from fresh milk rather than whey liquid [3]. 2. Lack of mature application scenarios for by-products like casein and lactose [3]. 3. Absence of regulatory standards for residual materials post-extraction [3]. 4. Insufficient collaboration across the industry chain, requiring participation from cheese, infant formula, and baking sectors [3]. Strategic Recommendations - Companies are advised to abandon the "small but beautiful" mindset and instead compete directly with leading brands through large product branding to achieve scale [4]. - The concept of "freshness" should be integrated into brand positioning, product structure, and channel development [4]. - Regional dairy companies should leverage local advantages to create differentiated brand systems, as demonstrated by Shandong Jiasheng Dairy's 60% growth during the pandemic [4]. Successful Case Study - Xinjiang Tianrun Dairy has achieved 1 billion yuan in sales outside its region by capitalizing on the unique qualities of its milk and innovating its distribution channels, including over 800 self-built specialty stores and a new retail model combining online and offline strategies [5]. Future Transformations - The dairy industry is expected to undergo three major transformations: 1. Accelerating the localization of deep processing technology and addressing the value realization of components [6]. 2. Shifting from opportunistic strategies to a more structured approach through brand remodeling and comprehensive channel strategies [6]. 3. Regional companies focusing on geographical advantages, product differentiation, and channel innovation to establish an irreplaceable position in niche markets [6].

Core Insights - The HICOOL2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit was held in Beijing, focusing on creating a global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with Mengniu Group showcasing its initiatives [1][3] - Mengniu's Vice President Li Pengcheng emphasized the company's commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and green transition to enhance productivity and support the dairy industry's modernization [3][4] Group 1: Innovation Initiatives - Mengniu is implementing a "one body, two wings" strategy, focusing on innovation, digital upgrades, and green transformation to develop new productivity [4] - The company has cultivated six domestic alfalfa varieties at its Inner Mongolia research base, achieving over 90% import substitution [4] - Mengniu is executing a "Million Dairy Cattle Genetic Improvement Plan" and has established two national core breeding farms [4] Group 2: Digital Transformation - Mengniu is advancing a dual "digital flywheel" strategy, embracing AI and accelerating the application of IoT, digital twins, and smart detection technologies [4] - The establishment of smart factories and pastures in regions like Ningxia and Wuhan aims to enhance industrial efficiency and lead the digital transformation of the industry [4] - The company is also focusing on channel innovation and product traceability through digital applications, achieving efficiency, cost reduction, and precision [4] Group 3: Green Transition - Mengniu is committed to sustainable development across the entire industry chain, promoting green organic pastures and transforming over 200 square kilometers of desert into an oasis [4] - The company has built 37 national-level green factories and two zero-carbon factories, emphasizing environmental responsibility [4] - Initiatives such as packaging recycling and beach clean-up campaigns are part of Mengniu's efforts to encourage broader participation in green practices [4] Group 4: Health and Nutrition Focus - Mengniu has successfully incubated several health and nutrition projects, focusing on precision nutrition, sports nutrition, and special medical foods [4] - The company aims to collaborate with the HICOOL platform and various societal forces to develop new productivity and enhance the dairy growth curve [4]

Group 1 - The article highlights the launch of a fresh whey drink by HeRun, which has garnered significant industry attention and sparked discussions about the potential of whey-based products [1][2]. - Whey is defined as a byproduct of cheese production, previously considered waste but now recognized for its nutritional value, including high-quality protein and lactose [4][5]. - The processing of whey has evolved, allowing it to be transformed into various forms such as whey powder, demineralized whey powder, and whey protein powder, catering to different food industry needs [5][7]. Group 2 - The global whey market was valued at $9.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $17.82 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.76% [11]. - In China, the whey protein market is expected to grow from $34.6 million in 2021 to $51.8 million by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 11.238%, surpassing the global average [11]. - The primary applications of whey include functional foods, with yogurt, adult milk powder, and milk beverages being the most common products utilizing whey as a key ingredient [11][12]. Group 3 - The article discusses various innovative applications of whey in beverages, snacks, and baking, emphasizing its role as a high-quality protein source that enhances nutritional value and product characteristics [15][18]. - Whey protein is increasingly used in sports nutrition products, including protein powders and energy bars, to meet the demands of different consumer groups [20]. - The competitive landscape of the whey powder market is characterized by leading companies leveraging product quality, brand recognition, pricing strategies, and distribution channels [21]. Group 4 - Major players in the whey market include Yili Group, Mengniu, and FrieslandCampina, which dominate the high-end market in China, collectively holding over 40% market share [21][22]. - Companies like Actus Nutrition and Agropur are recognized as leading manufacturers of whey protein ingredients, supplying a wide range of products for various applications, including infant formula and sports nutrition [22]. - The article also highlights the technological advancements in whey processing, such as membrane filtration and enzymatic hydrolysis, which are helping domestic companies reduce reliance on imports and improve product quality [21][22].

Core Points - The company is planning to import dairy products due to business expansion needs, which includes various types of dairy such as raw milk, pasteurized milk, and infant formula [1] - The import of dairy products is regulated by multiple laws and regulations in China, including the Food Safety Law and the Import and Export Food Safety Management Measures [1] Group 1: National Access - China implements access management for imported dairy products, with the General Administration of Customs evaluating the food safety management systems of exporting countries before granting access [2] Group 2: Company Qualifications - Foreign dairy producers must be registered through their local authorities and approved by the General Administration of Customs before exporting to China [3] - Exporters and agents must register with the General Administration of Customs to handle food import business [3] Group 3: Import Declaration - Importers must declare the import of dairy products truthfully to customs, providing necessary documents such as health certificates and proof of compliance with Chinese food safety standards [4] - For infant formula, a specific registration certificate is required, and organic products must have relevant certification [5] Group 4: Goods Release and Non-compliance Handling - Customs will release imported dairy products that pass inspection and issue a quarantine certificate, while non-compliant products will be handled according to regulations [6] Group 5: Other Requirements - Packaging must include the registration number of the producer in China or the approval number from the local authority [8] - Infant formula must have a shelf life of at least three months from the date of customs declaration, and large packages cannot be repackaged in China [8] - Labels for special dietary foods must be printed directly on the smallest retail packaging without additional stickers [8]